Essentially, prisoners receive some extra credit for ‘doing COVID time’ during the pandemic. In addition to being exposed to significantly greater risks of contracting COVID-19 in the prison environment where inmates cannot wear masks, adhere to social distancing or abide by other recommendations of the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], inmates serving time now are often confined to their cells for 20 hours or more a day, and are not permitted to leave their cells to make phone calls or visit with family members. Many have not had visits with family since March 2020. Being in lockdown for 20 or more hours a day is extremely punitive. Many of these inmates are in lockdown for extended periods of time merely because they are serving time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The legal System disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities that are over charged with more serous crimes that carry longer harsher sentences. This often means that the watered down bills still leave our communities without relief during this Pandemic. #Covid #incarceration #Racial Justice

While these regular, lengthy lockdowns are not intended as punitive measures, but rather are a necessary tool to combat the spread of COVID-19.  The problem with that rationale is even if the motive is not nefarious and is well-intended, the bottom line is it results in inmates being subjected to much harsher conditions akin to solitary confinement.

Mass incarceration targets Black people. Black people are experiencing incarceration are being strategically isolated from loved ones. Virginia fails to meet the minimum requirements to mitigate outbreaks. Courts and hearings have been routinely delayed. 

Family members like myself feel all inmates should be given extra credit during this time. No exclusions, since they would overly affect the Black and Latino Community that are given harsher convictions and sentences.

My Grandson's is pictured here and his is one of many youth caught in the youth pipeline to Prison. He is a what they call a #Crossover Youth 

Will you stand up for the protection for incarcerated individuals? 

Will you give voice to those that have no voice?

It’s an important step forward in transforming our crisis-ridden criminal legal system, which disproportionately harms Black and Brown communities.

#criminaljustice #system #advocate #Family #truama

#reentry